Jay Morris – aka the Isle of Wight Assassin – won his final boxing match at Cowes Yacht Haven last Saturday.
The boxing night – featuring 10 fights in total – was billed as The Last Dance.
Jay beat his opponent Kev McCauley on points.
Speaking after the fight, Jay said:
“Kev and I have been friends for years and had previously sparred once before. Kev is a tough, awkward fighter and has learned his trade well, having 4 times the amount of fights I’ve had and only retired last year, whereas I had one fight in Mexico in 2017, but I wasn’t in great shape and – apart from that – my last competitive fight was in 2013.
“I always wanted to have one last fight, and I certainly got it out of my system. Sparring a few white collar fighters and an occasional amateur doesn’t get you ready or compare to a seasoned professional who’d been fighting until fairly recently.
“The fight itself was frustrating. We tangled up constantly, and Kev started most rounds fairly fast with my chasing him around trying to work his body. At the end of the 1st, I felt he’d won the round, and I was already tired and annoyed at being tied up in close.
“All 4 rounds were fairly similar and – although I was given a win – I didn’t feel happy with my performance and – being my own harshest critic – would have scored the fight a draw. The judges gave me the win more for my effort and work-rate.
Article continues below this advertisement “What I did learn though is that I’m definitely too old for this, and I’ll happily spend my time training everyone else now.”
James Cox, Jay’s corner man, added:
“It’s been an honour Jay Morris working your corner for the last time. People will never really know what this career will do to someone, from being stitched without anaesthetic to fighting on with a broken hand. We got through it all.
“I’ve been so proud of you – digging in when I know how hurt you’ve been – and you hid it so well and fought on. Seeing you lift your first professional title in Brighton was our best day.
“It’s definitely time to rest. Enjoy being officially retired.”
Other fights on the night included:
Lord Morris v Harley Curran
This was an exhibition fight of 3 x 1.5 minute rounds. Both boxers performed brilliantly and complimented each other perfectly to show their skills for them to pick up some excellent experience and build their confidence.
Andrew Sawkins v Jake Orchard
Both boxed 6 months ago and, although Andrew had improved on his last performance, so had Jake, and he edged out a good close and entertaining points win for the second time in 6 months.
Jacob Benger-Pereira v Ryan Crowdy
Both fighters had moments of success, but Jacob Benger-Pereira is a naturally hard puncher, who broke Ryan down to earn a good stoppage win. Hats off to Ryan for agreeing to fight at short notice and for landing some great punches himself.
Jimmy John Carter v Clarke Morris
Clarke is a good honest fighter and has fought over here a few times and whether he wins, loses or draws will always give his all. Jimmy was coming into the ring in only his second fight in many years and made it two wins in a row with good head and body combinations, but Clarke played his part in a good scrap to the end.
Josh King v Jack Lavell
Jack took the fight to Josh and convincingly outpointed him. Josh did keep trying to get into Jack to try to rough him up but couldn’t get into range and fell short with most of his punches, which gave Jack a chance to counter punch and land some big shots of his own.
Michael Cooper v Matt Edwards
Matt came away with a very hard fought, well earned and extremely exciting win, but Michael gave all and came very close to getting something out of this fight. Matt has half of one of his legs missing from a motorcycle accident 4 years ago, but he’s not let this hold him back or used it as an excuse. He’s an inspiration to everyone with 4 fights, 4 wins and 3 knockouts.
Callum Trueman v Matt Edwards
In the first 4 round Assassin Title fight, Matt boxed brilliantly and used his experience superbly to pick Callum apart, dominating the fight from beginning to end. Callum never stopped trying, even during times he was caught with some huge shots bit down on his gum-shield and fought on when some would have quit.
Wayne Williams v Curtis the Turk
Curtis was big, solid, strong and very durable and came to fight and tried his hardest, but Wayne is becoming a more seasoned and rounded fighter now and let his bombs go continuously for 3 rounds. Not many men last with Wayne, but – although he didn’t really land anything significant against Wayne – Curtis was very game and a very tough man.
Connor Steptoe v Michael Willoughby
This was a 4 round title fight, which could have been the main event. Michael enjoyed early success and caught Connor with some decent shots whilst himself boxing with his hands down and grinning at Connor and talking to him too at times.
Going into the 3rd, Michael was in the lead but this only spurred Connor on. By the 3rd, Connor was starting to land some big shots, and – although he fired back – Michael was getting very tired now and lost the round.
Connor went on the attack, and the fight could have been stopped earlier, but referee Liam Griffiths gave him every chance before a bomb from Connor knocked Michael out.
They was never guna let him lose his last fight thou was they…..